Scenario: You see a pregnant woman, quite heavy with child. It is apparent that she soon will give birth.

Inappropriate ResponsesBad: Boy, you sure are big.Worse: How much bigger are you going to get anyway?Likely to Get You Maimed: Wow, you are HUGE are you sure you aren't having twins? Haha!

Appropriate ResponsesGood: You'll be giving birth soon. How exciting!Very Good: Lovely belly! Is there anything I can help you with or anything you need?Excellent for Husband: You look like a fertility goddess.

Scenario: You know her expected due date has come and gone. But she doesn't seem concerned and seems content to wait.

Inappropriate ResponsesBad: How long do they intend to let you go?Worse: That's what inductions are for you know. Get that baby out already.Likely to Get You Maimed: Do you intend to stay pregnant forever? What are you waiting for?

Appropriate ResponsesGood: Enjoy these last moments! Let me treat you to lunch and let's talk.Very Good: Have you gotten everything you need? How about we have a spa day and I'll paint your toenails for you.Excellent for Husband: Babe, just tell those busybodies the baby will come when it is good and ready. Or do what I would do...flip them off.

Scenario: Your pregnant friend tells you that she's going back to work very soon after giving birth (part time, full time, or flex time).

Inappropriate ResponsesBad: Are you crazy?! What for?Worse: Suppose something goes wrong and you have to have surgery or you are incapacitated? What makes you think you'll have any energy to do anything at all?Likely to Get You Maimed: How come your husband doesn't make enough to support you? Maybe you shouldn't have gotten pregnant.

Appropriate ResponsesGood: If anyone can do it, you can.Very Good: I know you'll have your hands full, but if you ever need anything give me a call!Excellent for Husband: I support you 100 percent.

Scenario: Your pregnant friend tells you that she's going to go natural...no drugs or augmentation of any kind.

Inappropriate ResponsesBad: Are you crazy?! What for?Worse: Haha. You'll be begging for pain meds in record time.Likely to Get You Maimed: Don't be silly. Why would you put yourself through that? Just do it like everyone else. What are you trying to prove?

Appropriate ResponsesGood: A lot of people do that these days. All the power to you!Very Good: I don't know much about going without meds. Can we talk about it more?Excellent for Husband: I support you 100 percent.

Scenario: Your pregnant friend tells you that she's going stay home and give birth with a midwife.

Inappropriate ResponsesBad: Are you crazy?! What for?Worse: That's just plain reckless. Suppose there is some emergency? Likely to Get You Maimed: I suppose that's fine if you want to risk a dead baby.

Appropriate ResponsesGood: A lot of people do that these days. All the power to you!Very Good: I don't know much about homebirth. Can we talk about it more? I'll help if I can!Excellent for Husband: I support you 100 percent.

Have you heard more inappropriate or appropriate responses in your pregnancy?